Scarf Kites Across the Playground

Children hold their scarf by one corner with an arm raised high and run so it “flies” like a kite; at the drum, the kite lands. It's an active warm-up that works on running, changes of pace and stopping.

How to play

1. Everyone holds their scarf by one corner and raises their arm up high: it's our kite (1 min).
2. Walk around the playground and notice how the kite barely moves: we need more wind (1 min).
3. Run so the kite flies high and stretched out behind you, looking for open space (2 min).
4. On the drum beat the kite lands: slow down, crouch and lay the scarf on the ground without letting go (1 min).
5. Switch the kite to your other hand and run in curves and big circles (1 min).
6. The kite gets tired: walk slower and slower, lower it and take a deep breath (1 min).

Rules

• Run looking ahead, not just at your kite.
• Don't let go of your scarf.
• When the drum sounds, slow down and land.
• Look for empty spaces to run in.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a classmate pushes the wheelchair slowly while the child holds the kite high, or the child flies it with big arm circles.
• Visual impairment: the child runs hand in hand with a guide classmate in a clear area with no obstacles.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher also signals landing by dropping their own scarf sharply.

Learning goals

• Raise activation with continuous running and changes of pace.
• Slow down and stop on a signal.
• Move around the space while avoiding others.

Equipment for a class of 25

• fabric scarves: 25
• hand drum

Teacher tip

On a windy day, have them run into the wind so the kite flies on its own. The usual mistake is running while looking back at the scarf; remind them the kite flies even if they don't watch it.

More activities like this

More warm-ups for Elementary